Pointless

I am a Pointless addict – that BBC TV quiz show that’s on at 5.15pm every weekday where pairs of contestants trawl the depths of their general knowledge skills to think of an answer no one in the 100 people poll prior to the programme knew – hence finding a ‘pointless’ answer. Other than testing my trivia knowledge, the appeal of the programme for me is the spark between co-hosts Alexander Armstrong and his ‘pointless friend’ Richard. The pair were at Cambridge together and the friendship is long enduring and quick witted.

Being obsessed with being in the house to watch the programme led me to research further – could I perhaps go and see Pointless being recorded? A quick Internet search revealed Standing Room Only being the ‘studio audience’ company to apply to. I chose a Sunday afternoon recording which meant driving to White City, the home of the BBC for so many years, was easy and parking amazingly free in the Westlea Shopping Centre. If you are in the first 100 to queue up with your ‘priority e-tickets’ outside the BBC gate waiting to be herded in, you are one of the lucky ones – the first few rows of audience, closest to the giant toilet seat that is the Pointless set. I didn’t know that or would’ve dragged myself away from the warmth of the shopping centre a bit quicker. Tip for next time!

Ushered inside, with a numbered sticker, we were shepherded through the colisseum that is the hallowed halls of the BBC and into a studio. The warm up guy Finn explained the rules and we tested our clapping and whooping skills and practised with the tower drop…all very exciting stuff! Xander seems shorter in ‘real life’ or is it just that Richard is much much taller. No wonder they fold him behind a desk with a fake laptop!! The quiz begins…the contestants are very relaxed….there are a few re-takes where autocues are mis-read but the ad-lib banter flows and it takes around 90 mins to record what ends up as a 45min programme. I absoultely loved the whole experience – fascinated by the lighting, cameras, floor team, producers, make up girls etc etc….what an amazing atmosphere to work in I would imagine. I could become a professional ‘audience member’ but must get nearer the front next time!